Community

Unfortunately, this has led to tremendously negative impacts on Britain’s ecosystem and native wildlife. From incessant farming to acute grazing, immense land areas are exhausted and diminished of their past richness. Nature, like animals, does not tend to take forcefulness at the hands of humans well, and it has suffered greatly.

The World Equestrian Games is held every four years, in order to bring together all the disciplines that are recognized by the FEI, in one event. There are 8 equestrian sports that are held under the FEI umbrella; 3 Olympic, Show Jumping, Eventing and Dressage, one Para Olympic, Para Dressage. There are 4 NOD (Non-Olympic Disciplines) comprising of Reining, Vaulting, Driving and Endurance. Each one of these disciplines compete to award the coveted FEI World Champion titles to their teams and to their individuals, as well as the top 5 nations in the Olympic Disciplines gaining qualification for the next Olympic Games, that will be held two years later. It is the one time every four years, that all the disciplines are on the same site vying for the same podium positions, and the very best equine athletes in the world (both two legged and four) are there, representing their country. There just isn’t another equestrian event like it and the atmosphere is amazing!

It seems like yesterday, the Western Equestrian Society (WES) were celebrating their very first year as the premier Western Riding Club here in the UK, and here they are, many years later, planning a huge celebration for the 34th anniversary. WES members participate with a vast variety of breeds such as Highland ponies, Welsh ponies, traditional cobs, cobs, Haflingers, Arabians and not to mention various western breeds. Looking at it realistically you name breed, and WES probably have a member out there riding in a western saddle.

As winter now approaches and our show season is over, it is time to appraise your efforts for this year. My suggestion is to take time out and write down all or any of the problems that you have had in low-scoring rounds so that you have a master plan to work on before next season. Remember, spring is only a few months away and if we take out Christmas, and bad weather days, we have probably got only six weeks left to get into shape for next year’s show season.

We are halfway through the show season and according to Facebook, most riders seem to be extremely happy with their efforts and achievements, so super, well done. For my part, it seems that lessons and clinics are moving to higher levels so these are exciting times. It is nice to know that the two youth riders that I have been coaching these last two years in conjunction with one mother and one uncle have performed well…..well enough to catch the eyes of other trainers and selectors, so there is still some life in this “old parrot” yet!

I think I can safely speak for Roger Wells too. In saying when we had the dream of making western riding a respected discipline (back circa 1983): a coloured magazine, major sponsors, instructors everywhere, shows and clinics the length and breadth of the countryside was in our dreams, and so it is amazing. I am so thrilled that this has now become a reality.

I'd forgotten that moving house was so stressful, but was quickly reminded when we were given two weeks’ notice. Thankfully, with the help of friends, family, and our excellent removal team — Move Fast, aka, Steve Hart, former owner of Quarter Horse Rio — it was successfully completed on time. Twenty-seven years of successful breeding, shoeing, and training came to an end on the 24th February. Wye Oak Quarter Horses finally closed its doors.